Avocado Chicken Salad

Introduction

Creamy, satisfying chicken salad gets an upgrade with the addition of avocado in this easy recipe. Diced chicken is mixed with mashed avocado, fresh herbs, celery, lemon juice and just enough mayonnaise to bind it all together. The avocado provides a smooth, rich creaminess that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Pile this chicken salad onto greens for a nutritious main dish salad or stuff it into a sandwich or wrap. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips and creative ways to enjoy this chicken salad.

Benefits of Avocado

Avocados offer many vitamins, minerals and healthy fats:

• Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Fiber
• Folate
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin

Benefits of Chicken

Chicken provides lean protein plus important nutrients like:

• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Selenium
• Phosphorus
• Choline

Ingredients

This easy avocado chicken salad requires just a few ingredients:

• Cooked chicken, diced
• Avocado
• Celery
• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives
• Lemon juice
• Mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper

Add-Ins

• Diced apple
• Red onion
• Grapes
• Almonds
• Bacon

Step-by-Step Recipe

Cook the Chicken

Dice chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Mash the Avocado

Scoop avocado into a bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth.

Chop Veggies and Herbs

Finely dice the celery. Mince fresh herbs like parsley, chives or dill.

Make Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Combine Salad

Gently mix chicken, avocado, celery, herbs, and dressing until combined.

Season and Serve

Taste salad and season additionally if desired. Serve immediately or chill 1-2 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Get creative with how you serve this salad:

• Stuffed in a pita or wrap
• Between slices of bread or toasted baguette
• On top of lettuce or spinach
• Scooped into avocado halves
• On crackers or cucumber slices
• Alongside fresh fruit and vegetables

Recipe Customizations

Adapt this recipe to your taste:

• Use red or green grapes instead of celery
• Swap in red onion for color and flavor
• Add nuts like pecans, almonds or walnuts
• Mix in crumbled bacon or shredded cheese
• Use lime juice and cilantro for a Mexican twist
• Stir in some Greek yogurt for extra tang

Storage and Leftovers

Store chicken salad in an airtight container up to 5 days. Stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.

Storage Tips

• Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F
• Press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing
• Avoid cross-contaminating other foods
• Discard if mold develops

FAQs

Is avocado chicken salad gluten free?

Yes, as written this recipe does not contain any gluten ingredients.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt makes a great lower fat substitute.

How long will this chicken salad keep?

Stored properly in the fridge, it will keep 5-7 days.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, cook the chicken and prep ingredients 1-2 days ahead, then assemble when ready to eat.

What's the best way to dice the chicken?

Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces so it matches the avocado and veggies.

Conclusion

This easy avocado chicken salad takes basic chicken salad up a notch with the addition of smooth, creamy avocado. The avocado pairs beautifully with savory chicken, fresh herbs, and a touch of citrus to create a salad that's satisfying on its own or perfect for stuffing in a sandwich or wrap. Adjust the ingredients to your taste and enjoy this nutritious salad any time of day!